Can Malawi deal with a British aid freeze?

In the wake of the diplomatic row between Malawi and the UK over a leaked memo criticising Bingu Mutharika, the UK has suspended all aid to Malawi. Jimmy Kainja, over at the Guardian blog, notes that Mutharika suddenly looks a little more willing to compromise:

However, Mutharika announced on Monday that “genuine dialogue and consultations have been initiated” […]